Every time you travel with a piece of luggage on an airplane, the Transportation Security Administration inspects the item through a variety of methods. Often, the TSA agent can inspect the bag or suitcase using a scanner, which allows him to see the contents without opening the luggage. In other cases, the agent will open the luggage to manually inspect it. If you don't have a TSA-approved lock on the item, you risk having your lock damaged.

Background

Affixing a lock to your suitcase is a method of preventing a would-be thief from opening the item and removing your possessions. Some suitcases have locks built into them, while others have loops through which you can place a lock that opens with a key or combination.

Process

The Transportation Security Administration reserves the right to inspect all pieces of luggage, which includes opening your suitcase and checking its contents by hand. If the suitcase isn't secured with a lock, the agent can open the item easily. If you have a lock that the TSA doesn't approve, the agent will cut through the lock, which will leave your luggage unsecured for the duration of your trip.

TSA Approved Locks

The Transportation Security Administration has partnerships with two lock companies, allowing the inspection agent to open a TSA-approved lock without having to cut through it. The two TSA-approved lock companies, Safe Skies (safeskieslocks.com) and Travel Sentry (travelsentry.org), provide the TSA with master keys that allow the agent to open the lock without having to destroy it. Some brands of locks, such as Master Lock (masterlocktsa.com), are approved by Travel Sentry, thus making them TSA approved.

Considerations

Putting a TSA-approved lock on your suitcase is beneficial and cost-effective, because you won't have to buy another lock if the TSA agent cuts yours. Safe Skies and Travel Sentry locks are available for sale at many airports and retailers that specialize in travel goods. Look for the correct logo on the lock to ensure it's TSA approved; Safe Skies locks feature a red torch and Travel Sentry locks have a maroon diamond. The packaging should also indicate that the lock is TSA approved.

References

About the Author

Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.